Hey, hey! It's a Giveaway!!

I am so excited to share with you that "Penny For Them" Blog is hosting a Rafflecopter giveaway for my novel, The Scent of a Soul, along with a $10 Amazon gift card. So, click here to visit and enter to win!

A warm thank you to the hostess of "Penny For Them" Blog for hosting this giveaway. To read her review of The Scent of a Soul, please visit here.

Good luck to all that enter!!  :-)

Before He Was the "Man of Steel..."

When I finished writing my novel, The Scent of a Soul, a little over four years ago, I did what a lot of authors can't help but do...I mused about who would play the leading parts in the movie version. And way before I knew he'd been chosen to play Superman in Man of Steel, I pegged Henry Cavill to play Marek Jamison, lead hero in my story.

I was able to see Man of Steel, and there were many scenes that had me saying, "That is so Marek!" and I couldn't help but wish just a little bit that I was watching Henry Cavill play the role of  my character, Marek. I know I'm not the first author to think this way, nor the last, but it was a little bittersweet to experience.

As for the movie itself...I enjoyed it completely! I've heard some complaints that the slow parts are too slow, but I loved them, and didn't think them too slow. I love character building scenes that form the foundation for a solid story. I thought the writers did an excellent job. The fight scenes are tremendous---don't know that my eight-year-old is ready for them, but my fifteen-year-old will definitely love them.

Man of Steel is most certainly a popcorn worthy, summer blockbuster, but it's more than a thrill ride. It's a story about learning who you are and doing your best with what you've been given. I highly recommend it!

The Amazing "Croods"

Okay, I just can't help it...I must give a quick share about The Croods. I love it when I go into a movie with no (or in this case low) expectations and I come out more than pleasantly surprised. This movie's message is full of heart and is so much fun that my sister and I found ourselves laughing our heinies off on many occasions.

The writers of this movie infused it with wit, charm, heart, and a solid message about families. I liked it so much, I went back and saw it a second time with my children. It is perfect for every member of the family. I will be quoting from this movie for a long time to come.

One of my favorite quotes is when the Croods have to make a long family trip to get to safety on a distant mountain. Along the way they have the same angsts that we all face on long, family road trips. The youngest Crood, a feisty and fearless toddler named Sandy, attacks her older, and much bigger brother, Thunk. Mother Crood, Ugga, intervenes, ripping Sandy off of Thunk's head saying, "If you're not ready to challenge her, don't look her in the eye!"

I know that line is out of context for all of you, but it's hilarious. I highly recommend The Croods. Listen for the great "one liners" and enjoy the message along the way!

P.S. By way of update, I had some amazing suggestions for naming my fictional Boston high school. I am now in the process of trying to decide. I'll let you know when I do. Thx! :-)

Help Me Name My High School....Please!

So, I've finished writing the climax to my second novel, The Sound of a Silent Heart (Candice and Flynn's story.) It takes place in Boston, and I have Candice working at a high school there. I wanted it to be a fictional school, so when I started writing I researched the schools of Boston and came up with "Revere High School" home of the Patriots. Pretty cool, right?

Wrong! Feeling the need to do a little more research, I found out there is a Revere, MA, and that there is, of course, a "Revere High School" in their town, and guess what? Ta da...they are the Patriots. And, yes, they would more than likely, at some point, play Boston schools.

Some might say, "Big deal! It's just a book."

But, it is a big deal to me. So, please, I ask you...help me name my high school. I want it to be of some significance to both Boston and American history in both name and mascot. I would appreciate any and all input on this. Please leave a blog or email address if you give a suggestion, because I would love to send you my first novel, The Scent of a Soul, and use your name in The Sound of a Silent Heart (in some capacity) as a way to say "thank you" if I use your suggestion.

I eagerly look forward to hearing from you!!

Eternal by Chantelle Nay

"She hoped someday, someone would be able to break through her invisible brick wall, swim the moat of impossible expectations, and rescue her from herself. She didn't want to end up an old spinster."

Prepare for an emotional roller coaster ride while reading this book!!

Emma is a seventeen, soon to be eighteen, year-old girl who has pretty much been a loner her whole life. But, when she is saved by an angel and hears his voice, she no longer feels alone, especially as he begins to interact with her more and more. In fact, he begins to fill a void within Emma. Then enters Destry. He is the stuff dream guys are made of: smart, kind, witty, caring, and well...hot! This is where emotions begin to rise and fall like a fast moving roller coaster.

Chantelle Nay has created a story that is easy to read and where the reader becomes emotionally attached to both males in Emma's life. At times, I was rooting for the angel, Micah, others, it was all about Destry. The ending was a brilliant wrap up that left me saying, "Whew!" because for a while I wasn't sure we were going to get a "happy ending."

This story will appeal especially to the YA audience, but can be enjoyed by anyone that enjoys a sweet, paranormal romance. And, the teaser at the end for Nay's sequel will have you saying, "Where's the rest?!"

I give this book a solid four stars!!

Lovin' "42" (The movie, that is...)

By now it's no secret that I love a good movie, just as much as I love a good book. And, when you leave the movie theater wanting to be a better person, you know you've seen a great movie. So I can't keep quiet about the movie 42.  I believe I had heard the name "Jackie Robinson" before, but I never knew anything about him...until now.

This movie is inspirational and full of things I love about the human spirit: dedication, drive, self-control, humility, forgiveness, perseverance...to name a few. As you watch, you feel Jackie Robinson's passion for baseball and for the love of his wife. It's so easy to become his own personal cheerleader from your movie seat (with the added emotion of wanting to deck a few people along the way for him).

I love all kinds of "feel good" sports movies: The Natural, Hoosiers, The Rookie, Miracle, The Game of Their Lives, Invincible, Victory, Rudy (okay, the list is quite long).... And now, I've added 42. This is exactly the type of movie I will have my children sit down and watch (when they are age appropriate), because of all the beautiful messages it teaches. I'm a Christian and, as such, I loved the references to God and the Bible; Harrison Ford's character in this regard (and others) was endearing to me. He did a wonderful job portraying Branch Rickey.  

If you love a great movie, and don't mind it revolving around sports, then this is one not to be missed. Take a friend and have a good time!

An Interview with Me at "Jessabella Reads"

I had the fun opportunity to participate in an interview on "Jessabella Reads" Blog. Stop by and find out a little bit more about the methods to my madness. :-) She is also sweetly conducting a giveaway for my novel, The Scent of a Soul. Swing by for a visit!